Summary
Highlights
The video starts with an introduction to Chester Bennington's isolated vocal tracks for Linkin Park’s song 'Numb.' The speaker highlights Chester's dynamic diversity, moving between light chest voice and head voice seamlessly, which is a key aspect of his compelling voice.
The analysis delves into Chester's bright vocal approach, characterized by a 'smile' and open mouth, which helps in vocal projection. The speaker also points out Chester's effective use of nasality in certain phrases, advising against shying away from this technique.
Chester's rhythmic precision is discussed, noting his ability to switch from a 'choir boy' approach to intense singing. The chorus section 'I've become so numb' reveals intricate vocal layering, recorded in a call-and-response manner, with subtle overlaps and octave harmonies creating a rich soundscape.
The video transitions to discussing Chester's ability to create vocal grit. The speaker demonstrates how to achieve this by engaging the throat high up, similar to a loud whisper, and combining it with regular vocal cord phonation. The importance of practice and finding one's own unique sound, rather than imitating exactly, is emphasized.
The analysis then covers production elements, specifically the 'delay throw' effect on words like 'you' and vocal doubling. The speaker provides a practical demonstration of how to set up a delay throw using a duplicated track, a delay plugin set to 100% wet, and adjusting the timing and EQ for optimal effect. He also demonstrates how vocal doubling adds a glassy, smooth yet gritty feel to Chester's sound.
The video concludes by reiterating Chester's consistent and detailed vocal performance, highlighting his ability to bring in different arrangements and harmonies at the end of the song. His unique blend of lightness and grit, even with a heavier vocal type, is celebrated as a testament to his vocal control.